Barbados: A Must-Do Checklist to Explore the Caribbean Oasis

As winter weather creeps on the Northeast, a Caribbean escape is the first thing on everyone’s mind. Still deciding on where to take your winter retreat? Aside from pristine beaches and delicious West Indian soul food, there are a million reasons that Barbados should be one of your top choices. With year-round temperatures average between 75 and 85 degrees, sneaking off to Barbados with girlfriends or a romantic partner has no seasonal constraints. And what’s not to love about a place that is accommodating for both the explorer as well as the beach bum?

There are also many historical elements to visiting Barbados. The island is deep in history, architecture and wildlife, and not to mention arguably the friendliest locals in the region. Many are unaware that Barbados’ history sometimes overlaps with that of the United States. One of the most popular historic attractions: The George Washington House, which has a rich history that shares stories of enslaved Africans who worked the sugarcane plantations, some of whom ended up in parts of South Carolina where Barbadian planters established a colony for England. Aside from the popularity of Bajan singer Rihanna, there are also many prominent Americans can trace their roots to Barbados, such as U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

Trust us, as one of the Caribbean’s safest islands, the last thing you should do is spend all of your time secluded at your resort. BlackEnterprise.com has some options for you to see and do during your Barbados visit to get you up and out of your room.

DO:

The Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour

What’s a relaxing vacation without a little bit of alcohol? The Mount Gay Rum Distillery Tour is by far the most popular attraction of the island (that boasts millions of visitors per year) which gives all visitorsÂ to the facility an unforgettable experience at the home of the ‘rum that invented rum’. Â Visitors are able to go back in time where they will discover the closely guarded secrets behind Barbados’ finest and oldest golden spirit which is distributed throughout the world. Mount Gay rum is over three hundred years old and is arguably one of the best rums in the world.

Located Â off Brandon’s beach in the parish of St. Michael, guests will be greeted by tour guides in a tropical garden with the smell of the rum floating in the air to tease your senses prior to the tour. Bottoms up!

Oistins is an active fishing town on the south coast and is a hub of activity on weekend nights for more than just the tourists. On Friday night particularly, the big thing to do is go to the fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens. The food is the main draw serving up a plethora of seafood options including fish, (tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, flying fish), lobster, chicken etc served up among tourists and locals.

Unknown to many, Daphne’s is the acclaimed beachfront Italian restaurant made famous by its London counterpart and sister restaurant, Le Caprice in New York’s Upper East Side. As one of Barbados finest restaurants serving modern Italian food with some Bajan twists, Daphne’s has great food, excellent service, and refined, but inviting ambiance. Despite it’s pricey menu, the the restaurant offers the perfect ambiance if you feel like splurging or want to stop in just to sip a few cocktails by the sea.

When it comes to elegant accommodations, Barbados is by far one of the leading islands in terms of properties. Choosing the right hotel, however, depends on the visitor. With so many options, these two are sure to aid you on your hunt of the perfect resort.

Colony Club

Looking for an elegant resort with breaktaking views, friendly staff and luxury bedrooms? The Colony Club’s sophisticated yet intimate and relaxed atmosphere is one of the Caribbean’s leading hotels. The hotel is a restored former private colonial club where old world charm meets new world standards of quality and attention to detail. The resort is located on one of the finest stretches of the Platinum Coast, and an ideal for couples, families and friends seeking tranquility and relaxation.

The House is an adults-only resort on the world-renowned platinum West coast of Barbados. Unique among destinations in the Caribbean, The House is a chic, tranquil retreat for adults to unwind and reconnect in a setting of understated elegance. Looking to get away from the kids for awhile and enjoy some adult fun? Well, the House is for you. The property offers Â breathtaking beach views, glamour decor, and friendly staff.